Compute Resources (Slices)
Understanding the core compute resources available in the ThreeFold Marketplace.
Overview
Compute Resources, often referred to as "Slices," are the fundamental units of computing capacity in the ThreeFold ecosystem. They represent virtualized portions of underlying physical hardware (3Nodes) that can be used to deploy workloads, applications, and services.
Key Concept
Unlike traditional cloud computing models, ThreeFold's compute resources are fully sovereign, meaning you maintain complete control and ownership over your resources and the workloads deployed on them.
Resource Components
Each compute slice consists of a combination of the following resources:
Compute (vCPU)
Virtual CPU cores allocated for processing power, measured in cores or units.
Memory (RAM)
Random Access Memory for temporary data storage and active computations, measured in GB.
Storage
Persistent storage for data, available in SSD (fast) or HDD (high-capacity) options, measured in GB.
Network
Bandwidth allocation for data transfer between your resources and the internet, measured in GB transferred.
Public IPv4
Optional public IP addresses for direct internet accessibility.
Zero-OS
The secure, minimalist operating system that powers each compute slice.
Resource Tiers
Compute resources are available in different tiers to suit various workload requirements:
| Tier | Description | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Entry-level resources with balanced specifications | Development environments, testing, personal projects |
| Standard | Mid-range resources suitable for most applications | Production websites, small databases, containerized applications |
| Professional | High-performance resources with enhanced capabilities | Business applications, medium databases, compute-intensive tasks |
| Enterprise | Premium resources with maximum performance | Large databases, high-traffic applications, distributed systems |
Deployment Options
Virtual Machines
Deploy full virtual machines with your choice of operating system and complete control over the environment.
- Support for most Linux distributions
- Full isolation and security
- Complete access and control
Containers
Deploy lightweight, portable container workloads for efficient resource utilization.
- Docker-compatible container runtime
- Kubernetes support
- Rapid deployment and scaling
TFP Exchange Mechanism
Compute resources are exchanged through the ThreeFold Points (TFP) value exchange system:
For Consumers
- Pay TFP based on resource specifications and usage duration
- Choose between prepaid or pay-as-you-go billing models
- Receive detailed usage reports and billing transparency
- Maintain sovereignty over deployed workloads
For Providers
- Receive TFP for resources consumed by users
- Automatic payments based on verified resource utilization
- Set pricing within market-driven parameters
- Build reputation through consistent service delivery
Resource Management
The ThreeFold Marketplace provides comprehensive tools for managing your compute resources:
Dashboard
Monitor resource usage, performance metrics, and billing information through the intuitive dashboard.
Scaling
Quickly adjust resource allocations to meet changing demands and workload requirements.
Security
Apply security policies, access controls, and encryption to protect your compute resources.
Backups
Configure automated backup schedules to protect your data and workloads.
History
Access detailed logs and history of resource utilization, deployments, and changes.
Analytics
Gain insights from usage patterns and performance analytics to optimize your deployments.
Ready to Deploy Compute Resources?
Start exploring available compute resources to find the perfect fit for your needs.